Draw Your Story

8-Hour Comic Book Day is fast approaching on July 7. If you want to up your drawing skills before the big day (or even after), check out some of these titles. There's everything here from classic comic drawing techniques to kawaii manga guides (if you can stand the cuteness). For a start-to-finish series of online lessons, check out the Lynda.com class Design a Comic Book, free to access using your library card.

Check out some of the artwork from previous Comic Book Days at the Library.

Japanese manga techniques, deciphered in manga-style pages. First published in Japan, with the endorsement of many Japanese manga artists. Includes an interview Shinji Mizushima, a sports manga artist, who gives insights into creating manga.

A unique twist on drawing books with the story capturing various individual drawing techniques. The author wanted to create the feel of having an artist mentor for the learning process even when that isn't always possible.

An in-depth guide to drawing for beginners interested in comics and graphic novels. Chapters included on visual perception, drawing in perspective, the figure, sketching, thumbnails, using ink, and digital design techniques. Detailed exercises help beginning artists work through each chapter.